Autism

Understanding Autism

Autism is a disability with characteristics that vary across a wide spectrum. While persons with autism can’t be identified by their physical appearance, they usually have difficulties with language or communication, social skills, and behavior, often due to sensory difficulties.

The different levels of autism range from mild to severe. Individuals with severe autism may be nonverbal and seem to be unaware of other people. Those with mild autism can appear to be incredibly smart but may seem odd in social interactions. Most people with autism are somewhere in the middle.

Individuals with Autism Have Difficulty in Three Main Areas

1. Communication

Repeating words or phrases, sometimes out of context

Less responsive to requests

Laughing or crying for no apparent reason

Takes communication literally—does not understand social or verbal innuendos

Inability to follow multiple instructions

2. Social Interactions

Difficulty telling others how they feel or what they need

Awkward social skills or a preference for being alone

Difficulty making eye contact or using nonverbal communication

No sense of danger

3. Behavior

Difficulty with changes and a preference for routines

Very susceptible to sensory overload. Easily upset by noise, crowds, too much happening at once, or touch

Ways to Help

Seek to better understand a person by talking with family members about the person’s interests and how best to relate to him or her.

Interact in a relaxed and friendly manner.

Encourage classmates to ignore inappropriate behavior and to compliment the person when he or she contributes in a positive way.

Do not allow classmates to tease or insult others for any reason. Lead by example and find ways to make Church activities a positive experience for everyone.

If appropriate, encourage classmates to come up with ways to include children with autism. Let them know that while children with autism may choose to spend time by themselves, they may want to make friends.

Counsel with the family or caregiver and learn to recognize signals from the person with autism that show they are feeling overwhelmed.

Ignore small disruptions and consistently praise appropriate behavior and improvement.

Ask family members about unusual or inappropriate behavior. Parents can help you understand what the child is trying to communicate and how you can respond in a helpful way.

Provide frequent interaction and activity. It is unrealistic to expect a person with autism to sit for long periods and listen attentively. Don’t expect too much too soon. Patience, consistency, and caring will eventually bring progress.

Consider visiting the school of a young child with autism. Doing so could help you learn about the child’s abilities and effective ways to interact with him or her. You will need to ask permission from the parents and school authorities before visiting.

Do not be discouraged if the child wants to sit and watch and not interact.

Know that there will be good and bad days that may happen without warning. A good day does not mean that everything is fixed, nor does a bad day mean that all is lost.